Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Spatial Quantification of Drugs in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions by Laser Capture Microdissection Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCM-LC/MS
09:58

Spatial Quantification of Drugs in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Lesions by Laser Capture Microdissection Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry LCM-LC/MS

Published on: April 18, 2018

9.5K

Chylothorax as a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis in children

Marie Grobbelaar1, Savvas Andronikou, Pierre Goussard

  • 1Department of Radiology, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.

Pediatric Radiology
|October 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a rare cause of chylothorax, a condition with milky fluid in the chest. Tuberculous lymphadenopathy can obstruct the thoracic duct, leading to chylous effusions in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chylothorax, characterized by milky pleural effusions rich in triglycerides, is typically caused by malignancy or trauma.
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an exceptionally rare etiology for chylothorax.

Observation:

  • This report describes two pediatric cases of chylothorax secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis.
  • One child presented with bilateral chylous effusions, while the other had unilateral effusions.
  • Both patients exhibited extensive mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy.

Findings:

  • Tuberculous lymphadenopathy can infiltrate and obstruct the thoracic duct and cisterna chyli.
  • This obstruction likely increases lymphatic pressure, causing chyle to leak into the pleural space, resulting in chylothorax.

Implications:

  • Highlights pulmonary tuberculosis as a potential, albeit rare, cause of chylothorax in children.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering infectious etiologies, particularly TB, in pediatric chylothorax with lymphadenopathy.
  • Suggests a mechanism involving lymphatic obstruction by tuberculous lymph nodes leading to chylous effusions.

More Related Videos

Imaging Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mice with Reporter Enzyme Fluorescence10:06

Imaging Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mice with Reporter Enzyme Fluorescence

Published on: February 26, 2018

7.8K
Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test08:10

Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis with the Xpert MTB/RIF Test

Published on: April 9, 2012

81.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
978
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
1.5K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis V

Medical management of tuberculosis (TB) patients involves a comprehensive approach that includes diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The specific strategies can vary depending on the type of tuberculosis (latent or active), the patient's overall health status, and other considerations.
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
627
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
1.1K
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
537
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.01:25

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
3.7K